In total she lost around six litres of blood. The average adult's body contains around five.

Ms McDermott spent two days in intensive care at the Sharoe Green Unit at Royal Preston Hospital in Lancashire but is expected to make a full recovery after leaving hospital on Tuesday.

Despite the traumatic labour, her baby daughter Hayley was born safely, weighing 8lbs 30z, and is doing very well.

Ms McDermott, who works as a catering assistant at the same hospital, said: "I was very lucky. They said it was touch and go - the nurses said they had never seen anything as serious in over 19 years. There was a 50-50 chance I would survive.

"I lost six litres of blood and ended up going into theatre. I spent Friday and Saturday in intensive care.

"I was absolutely terrified but I am so grateful to all of the staff. I just want to thank the NHS. If it wasn't for them I would not be here today.

"My daughter is perfectly fine - she is absolutely beautiful and I love her to bits."